PARTIES from across the political spectrum have united to implore north Manchester’s constituents to reject the ‘divisive’ policies of the BNP in the forthcoming European election.
Representatives from the Labour, Liberal Democrat, Conservative, Respect and Green parties have come together to speak out against Nick Griffin, the leader of the British National Party, who is standing as a candidate in the North West.
They fear that the BNP - described by Cheetham Hill councillor Afzal Khan as a ‘fascist organisation’ - could gain its first ever MEP if there is a low turn out of voters in the region.
Under the election’s proportional representation system, it is estimated that the party would need around eight per cent of the vote to secure a seat.
However, opponents hope that a large turn out of residents backing other parties will reduce the proportion of votes the BNP receive.
North Manchester has seen strong support for the BNP of late, with candidate Derek Adams coming second in the Moston by-election earlier this month, winning 23.3 per cent of votes.
Now Cllr Khan is urging residents to vote in the Euro election, which takes place 4 June, to keep the controversial party at bay.
"The BNP is not a normal political party," he said. "It is a racist and fascist organisation that peddles fear, loathing and division.
"It preys on people’s insecurities, offering no solutions to complex questions. The BNP message stands against basic British traditions of fairness, tolerance and equality.
"It is a sad state of affairs that anyone would still have this attitude in the 21st century when the world is becoming more inclusive.
"It is a civic duty for everyone to vote. We cannot remain indifferent when the BNP are contesting the election. They are happy to destroy the hard work of Mancunians who strived to make this city the success it is today."
However, Mr Adams said he found Cllr Khan’s accusations of fascism ‘unbelievable’.
"This is coming from a Labour party councillor whose government has overseen the suggestion of ID cards, the hunting ban, the smoking ban, unprecedented video surveillance and listening in on private e-mails and phone calls," he said. "As for policies, the BNP has perfectly fair and rational arguments on all issues and if ever the dictatorial Labour Party wish to give us the opportunity to debate our policies in public, we would be more than happy to allow the people to decide who has the right answers to Britain's many problems."
To vote you must be on the electoral register and have registered by 19 May. To register, contact the electoral services unit in Manchester town hall on 234 3145.
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May Howard (02/05/2009 at 01:58)
May Howard (04/05/2009 at 21:45)
It may surprise some people that the BNP have members of polish,Italian, hungarian decent, gay, disabled, jewish, and many members have foreign wives/husbands etc.
The BNP have Jewish councillors, a Jewish treasurer.
Adam Walker BNP teacher has a Japanese wife, Richard Barnbrook (BNP GLA member) his partner Simone Clarke (BNP member)are bringing up Simones mixed race young child.
Democracy=the will of the people, the opposite is dictatorship, banning legal partys.
Soon the Media will HAVE to report the BNP in a fair and honest manner, because the people are waking up!
JUST REMEMBER.
It was not the BNP that started the illegal wars that are getting our soldiers slaughtered. I WOULD CALL THAT EXTREME!
It was not the BNP that stole the pension funds of millions of our elderly.
I WOULD CALL THAT EXTREME!
It was not the BNP that sold of our Utility Companies to overseas buyers who now exploit us. I WOULD CALL THAT EXTREME
It was not the BNP that betrayed the True British People by swamping Our Country with mass unfettered immigration. I WOULD CALL THAT EXTREME
It was not the BNP that sold our gold for peanuts to Europe.
I WOULD CALL THAT CRIMINAL !
It was not the BNP that gave away our fishing fleets, industry, farming.
I WOULD CALL THAT TREASON !
It was not the BNP that allowed the banker to rip us off for billions.
I WOULD CALL THAT THEFT!
It was not the BNP that destroyed our education, NHS, Law AND Order etc
I WOULD CALL THAT CRIMINAL!
It was not the BNP that destroyed our manufacturing base.
I WOULD CALL THAT TREASON!
It was not, not, not the BNP that created the mess we are now in !
WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE BNP, THEN FIND OUT YOURSELF.
GO VISIT THEIR WEBSITE
Dennis the Menace, Hyde (05/05/2009 at 00:50)
For years now we have let into this country anyone and anybody ............ ALL THE MAIN PARTIES HAVE FAILED US THROUGHT MANY YEARS NOW ..... and what is most telling is the fact that they now realise this !!!!, hence they are trying to tell the Electorate not to vote for certain parties !!!!, this to me smacks of them running scared !!!!!
LET THE PUBLIC DECIDE WHOM THEY WANT TO CAST THEIR VOTE FOR !!!!, THESE OTHER PARTIES SHOULD PUT THEIR OWN HOUSES IN ORDER FIRST ...... THEN THE PUBLIC MAY HAVE SOME CONFIDENCE IN THEM !!!, AFTER ALL, HOW CAN THE PUBLIC TRUST THOSE WHO CONSTANTLY "MILK" THEIR POSITIONS AND CLAIM YEARLY ALLOWANCES THAT WOULD TAKE MANY OF US 10 YEARS OR MORE TO EARN, THATS IF WE ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE A JOB !!!!!!
questo, manchester (06/05/2009 at 13:30)
'Moston is not a collective community'. Maybe at surface level that has some truth in it , but I would ask Simon to consider what goes on in our schools, homes , clubs and church communities. All these local institutions are furthering the holistic approach to community that is just what we need in these politically charged days. So come on Mostonians all lets make some good sounds and give bigotry the elbow in the positive way of these young lads. your truly Questo
Dennis the Menace, Hyde (18/05/2009 at 00:59)